Art Handling in Oblivion

A Catalogue about Conspiracy, Theft, Possession and Heritage.

Art Handling in Oblivion assembles five art collections that have been stolen during key historical events, either by regimes or organised individuals. Seizure of art is one of most hidden and underestimated objectives of war. Behind conquering campaigns lurk hidden stories of deprived cultural heritage and devastation of the enemy's cultural identity. Bringing home the enemy's treasures is first of all a tangible proof of victory. The booty entails an enrichment of the very own culture and shifts the composition of cultural heritage on a global scale. Some of the discussed collections have been found and restituted, others are still in hostile possession or missing.

Art Handling in Oblivion is published as Volume 1 (# 501) of the paperback series "fink twice" by Edition Fink, originally presented by Rob van Leijsen as his master thesis for the Spaces & Communication course at HEAD – Genève in 2012.

The original version of Art Handling in Oblivion has been published in a limited edition of 50 copies. The glued catalogues are sawn open on a predefined spot on a display specially designed for the occasion. The central part of the table offers space for consultation. At the end envelopes are placed addressed to the concerned museums discussed in the book.